By Austin Medina
With the Ravens full focus set on the playoffs, the expectation is for star running back Mark Ingram to play.
Ingram sufferred a calf strain during the Ravens 31-15 victory over the Browns last Sunday. According to head coach John Harbaugh, the severity of Ingram's calf strain is described as "mild to moderate."
“He won’t play this week. He probably wouldn’t play this week no matter what the circumstance was with that calf strain,” Harbaugh said. “We’d be looking for him to be ready in two weeks. So we’ll just see how that goes going forward.”
Ingram has been a key factor in the Ravens league-best scoring offense. During the victory last Sunday, Ingram topped 1,000 yards rushing before exiting the game on a non-contact injury.
Ingram spoke to the media Thursday and reiterated team expectation's of his availability for the playoffs.
“I got some time, I’ll be ready for the first playoff game.” Ingram detailed why his confidence is high ahead of the Divisional Round in less than three weeks. “Team’s doing a good job; training staff’s doing a good job. Just around the clock treatment to get it ready to go.”
Only three RBs in @Ravens history have rushed for at least 1,000 yards and 10 TDs in a single season:• Jamal Lewis (2003)• Ray Rice (2011)• Mark Ingram II (2019)
— Patrick Gleason (@PMGleason)
December 22, 2019 Ingram's versatility has been a pleasant addition to the Ravens offense, as he has racked up an additonal five receiving touchdowns on the season.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson, who's biggest supporter has arguably been Ingram, spoke about Ingram eclipsing 1,000 yards rushing.
Lamar Jackson didn’t realize Mark Ingram reached the 1,000 yard rushing mark for the @Ravens until his post-game interview.His reaction was priceless. pic.twitter.com/hrtFFdnMLg
— NFLonCBS (@NFLonCBS)
December 22, 2019 For the Ravens to make a deep playoff run, Ingram's health and availability will be paramount. Gus Edwards will start on Sunday against the Steelers, in a game where he can earn some additional snaps come playoff time.
